Ok, so I decided it was time to share the upgrades that I have done on my "Rubi." I purchased my 2003 Jeep Rubicon in February of 2009 with 41,000 miles on it. It had a few modifications already. Budget Boost Lift, 305/70R16 Goodyear tires, Wheel Spacers, Heavy Duty Brakes, Old Man EMU shocks and a heavier trac bar. I drove it for about a year and decided it was time to start making some serious upgrades.
J - Just
E - Empt
E - Every
P - Pocket
I hope you enjoy this build thread.
Here is the Jeep shortly after I first bought it.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 06:56 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Here was the first upgrade. An ARB Front Bumper.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 07:10 PM

2 Attachment(s)

The next upgrade was a Warn 9000XDi winch.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 07:21 PM

3 Attachment(s)

Now it was time for a new rear bumper. I opted to stay with ARB and went also added the swing out tire carrier and Hi-Lift Jack mount. Of course I had to get a High Lift Jack also! I later had to relocate the license plate. It seems when ARB orginally designed this bumper, they inadvertantly mocked it up on a jeep with a 1" BL. After it went into production they discovered their mistake. Rather than design a new one, they give you a choice...add a 1" BL to your jeep and use the factory tag mount, or relocate your tag to the spare tire. I choose to relocate the tag to the spare. You will see it in there in other pictures.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:03 PM

5 Attachment(s)

Now it was time for a serious suspension lift. After some research, I decided on a 4.5" BDS LA lift. The boys at Expert Offroad in Topeka, KS did the honors.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:06 PM

I had already decided to put 35" tires on the jeep once the lift was complete. So, it seemed to make sense to upgrade the Ring and Pinion from the factory 4.10 to 4.88. While it was in the shop I had the gears changed.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:11 PM

2 Attachment(s)

Here's what Rubi looked like when they were done with the lift and the gear change. Quite a bit of difference from that budget boost I had on there previously!

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:15 PM

2 Attachment(s)

Now it was time to upgrade the rubber. I opted for a set of 5 Goodyear MTR w/Kevlar 315/75R16 (35"x12.50) tires. Wow! What a difference.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:25 PM

1 Attachment(s)

Here is a picture of the license plate relocation on the spare tire.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:27 PM

4 Attachment(s)

After I put those big meaty tires on, I decided I wanted to open up the wheel wells more. So, I decided it was time for some Flat Fender Flares. After doing some research I narrowed it down to either 6" Bushwacker or Xenon flares. I opted for the 6" Bushwacker because I liked the way the looked and after reading a number of other threads, it seemed they would be a better install. They were pretty easy to put on and took the better part of a day. I took my time and had several interuptions throughout the day otherwise I might have got them done in an entire morning. They really opened up the wheel well and give Rubi the look I wanted.

rmoonks

04-20-2010 08:29 PM

Next up is a Best Top Safari top w/Wrap around Windjammer and a rear Duster cover. It is on order now. Will post pictures when it arrives and I get it installed.